Laughing Fish Pub Is A Nightclub Survivor

`Tis the season when nightclubs close, when advertising budgets are cut back, when management is forced to smile as patronage dwindles, and only the strong survive.

But when the going gets tough, the tough go searching for good entertainment.

For a long time, the Laughing Fish Pub relied on its atmosphere to draw the crowds. Its interior was cozy, the fish tanks facing the bar were fun; the lighted, recessed wall panels depicting denizens of the deep gave credence to the name of the lounge.

It was a saloon within a hotel -- perhaps a tad unusual in decor but, in reality, nothing exceptionally special.

In the past few months, a live-entertainment policy was initiated on weekends with Juanita Dixon, an Aretha Franklin-type singer, and then The Roach Thompson Blues Band.

The blues that I heard the Roach Thompson Blues Band perform could be perceived as a mixture of rock, soul, jazz and country. Rock supplies the beat; soul brings forth the emotion; jazz provides improvisation; and from the country comes the desire to relate the tales of the common man.

The Pub was perfect for the intimacy required for this musical direction, and I was impressed by the band -- whose music was fluid, exciting and sensitive -- as well as with the atmosphere.

Blues may have been around for quite some time, but judging the attention gathered from the audience, there is a current interest in the music which, despite its name, doesn`t have to cause tears to be shed.

The Laughing Fish Pub may one day alter its musical slant, possibly experimenting with different formats.

Live entertainment works well here. The lounge appeared to became more crowded as the evening progressed.

Although the Pub might be just an afterthought for hotel guests, it strives for much more. One people-pleasing accommodation is served by the availability of St. Regis, a non-alcohol wine (a bottle sells for $8.50 and a split for $2.80). Cocktails start at $2.50 and the house wine, Partager, is priced at $2.80 a glass.

Unfortunately, the kitchen is only open until 10 p.m., but if you decide to order before then, you can have a hamburger and french fries for $3.95 or a triple-decker sandwich for $4.50.

As for the service, it is a delight to be somewhere where the barmaid always is within calling distance, where she constantly refills the dish of munchies at the table and always is available to answer any question.

If the presentation of the Roach Thompson Band is any indication of the quality of entertainment that will be presented in the future, run -- don`t walk or swim -- to the Laughing Fish Pub.

NIGHTLIFE NEWS

Wondering where Voices went after leaving Pier 66? Try the Sausalito on North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach. The invigorating Top-40 musical congregation is there Tuesday through Sunday evenings. Having given the band its night off, one might think the Sausalito lounge would be quiet on a Monday evening. Wrong. This is the time slot set aside for those who have dreamed about what it might be like to emulate their favorite musical superstar.

Following in the footsteps of Pierce Street Annex, the Sausalito has initiated a policy encouraging amateurs to take to the stage and sing their hearts out, backed by a non-vocal soundtrack. They have a selection of 2,000 songs from which to choose, and all any daring person has to do is provide the vocalization. The immediate reward, besides audience acceptance, is a tape of this spontaneous performance. Festivities begin at 10 p.m. and end at 1 a.m.

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The two men who bought Martha`s in Dania are reported to be the new proprietors of Stan`s on East Commercial Boulevard, a two-story restaurant and lounge that has had a strong local following for some 25 years.